Spatio-temporal variability of the winter phytoplankton distribution across the Catalan and North Balearic fronts (NW Mediterranean) |
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Authors: | Estrada M; Varela R; Salat J; Cruzado A; Arias E |
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Institution: | Institut de Ciencies del Mar, P.Joan de Borbo, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain; Universidade de Vigo, Facultade de Ciencias, Lagoas/Marcosende, s/n, AP. 874, 36200 Vigo, Spain; Centre d'Estudis Avancats de Blanes, Cami de Santa Barbara, 17300 Blanes (Girona), Spain |
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Abstract: | The qualitative and quantitative composition of the phytoplankton
assemblages of the Catalano-Balearic Sea (NW Mediterranean) was examined in
relationship with frontal boundaries and short-term meteorological forcing
originated by an intense wind storm. Data were obtained during February
1990, before and after strong NW winds, from several transects across the
Catalan (continental side) and North Balearic (Balearic Islands side)
shelf/slope fronts. High chlorophyll concentrations and diatom dominance
inshore of the Catalan Front were typical of the winter-spring
phytoplankton maximum. However, offshore of the Catalan Front, diatoms were
scarce and the phytoplankton assemblage was dominated by coccolithophorids.
In spite of weak density stratification, a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM)
was well developed, before the storm, offshore and appeared to cause a
pulse of new production, as suggested by increased oxygen concentrations in
the vicinity of the DCM. The results presented here indicate the existence
of a persistent association between the distribution of distinct
phytoplankton assemblages and hydrographic characteristics of the studied
area. Our results also show that, at least during an important part of the
winter-spring bloom period of the Catalano-Balearic Sea, high phytoplankton
biomass offshore of the Catalan Front is not associated with the diatom
dominance typically found in coastal waters and other offshore areas of the
NW Mediterranean. This finding has biogeochemical implications in
relationship with vertical export fluxes of particulate matter.
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